Gubernatorial candidate Dan Maes in a statement this morning called the campaign finance complaint filed against him “politically motivated” and said that he did not take inappropriate contributions or misspend from his campaign account.

Maes, who faces former Congressman Scott McInnis in a GOP gubernatorial primary next month, faced allegations that he inappropriately recorded campaign contributions and $42,000 in mileage expenses.

The Evergreen businessman agreed to pay $17,500 in fines related to the allegations, but has repeatedly said the money he spent on mileage reflected the tens of thousands of miles he’s driven in the course of his underdog campaign.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.